Paul Sullivan writes: There are private family squabbles, and then there are family squabbles that splash into public view, shining a spotlight on a bitter dispute. Take the case of Belinda Neumann-Donnelly, who sued her father, Hubert Neumann, claiming he drove down the price of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Flesh and Spirit,” which sold for $30.7 million at auction la…
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Columnist, Michelle Singletary shares the lessons she learned after her mother died from injuries sustained in a house fire. When you’ve helped with as many funerals as I have, you understand how important it is for folks to organize their financial paperwork before it’s too late. Maybe my story will help motivate you to gather your important documents to help…
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Ronni Ginott was at a New Year’s Day party in 2003 when her husband, David, had a heart attack and died on the spot, at 58. In an instant, Ms. Ginott, then 55, became not only a single mother of two daughters, but also the owner of E.M. Winston Company, her husband’s musical-instrument rental company. She knew nothing about the business, and her husband had no successi…
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Learn the basics of how assets are distributed after death, including a discussion of Wills, Trusts, and the probate process in Montgomery County, Maryland from Cathy’s recent appearance on public television. By watching this short program, you will see Cathy’s unique ability to explain and discuss these topics. Click here to view the program.
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Don't leave it to lawyers and the courts to divvy up your belongings after you're gone.
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In order to make a will, a person must intend to make a will. A person must have what is known as testamentary intent. The adjective ‘testamentary’ means related to a will, and is a derivative of the word ‘testament’–the Latin word for will. The Latin phrase for testamentary intent is animus testandi, “the intention to make a testament.&…
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One of the main purposes for making and leaving a will is to guide the administration of the estate of the testator–the person who made the will. A will should be written in language that is clear and indisputable. Alas, the language in a will may be unclear or vague. This article discusses the will interpretation and construction issues of lapse and mistake. Lapse I…
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The probate system can help disappointed heirs clarify asset distribution. Like physicians, trusts and estates attorneys often are asked for free advice during social occasions. I was approached recently at a party by a white collar defense lawyer. My friend was disturbed: A beloved maiden aunt had passed away, and now my friend had heard that she was not going to get the…
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